Influenza A virus a single-celled RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family. Like other variants of the influenza virus, Influenza A virus infects the respiratory system of birds and some mammals, including humans. Like other flu’s, outbreaks are more common in during “flu season”, from late fall through early spring. The virus is occasionally transmitted from wildfowl to domestic flocks, resulting in pandemic infection outbreaks.

Transmission is most common by coming in contact with airborne particles through an infected person’s coughing and sneezing. You can also encounter the virus through close personal contact, saliva, and by touching contaminated surfaces.